The Employer Brand Revolution: How Companies Are Winning the Battle for Top Talent

Attracting the right employees is more challenging than ever. According to isolved’s fourth-annual HR Leaders report , while recruitment has been an ongoing challenge, 65% of HR leaders anticipate this year will be even more difficult.?

But what drives individuals to join a particular organization? isolved's survey of over 1,000 full-time employees revealed that company culture is a significant motivator—31% of respondents highlighted company values and culture as key factors in accepting a job offer. Moreover, personal fulfillment is increasingly vital, with 88% stating that finding rewarding work is crucial in their job search.?

In the battle for top talent, one factor often makes the difference: a compelling employer brand.?

The Importance of Employer Branding?

A positive employer brand is essential in attracting and retaining top talent. It’s more than just a company's identity—it's a strategic blend of vision, mission, character, culture, and personality that resonates with prospective employees. A strong employer brand not only attracts better candidates but also reduces hiring and marketing costs while enhancing productivity.?

The Path to Success?

To attract top talent, companies must offer more than basic benefits. The standard offerings of medical, dental, and a 401(k) are no longer sufficient. Organizations need to identify and provide benefits that appeal to candidates across different ages and life stages, addressing their unique needs and challenges.?

This means offering comprehensive support, including financial wellness programs, student loan repayment assistance, emergency or on-site childcare, elder care resources, and mental health support. Companies must also highlight their commitment to inclusion and ensure consistent productivity, whether positions are remote, hybrid, or on-site.?

To remain competitive, organizations should offer career mobility options, such as defined career pathways or tuition reimbursement for further training and certifications, ensuring that candidates see a future with the company.?

Equally important is creating a positive candidate experience. From crafting job descriptions to sending offer letters, every touchpoint is crucial in building your employer brand and attracting qualified candidates in today’s competitive market.?

Don’t overlook your greatest brand advocates: your employees. Just as consumers read reviews before making a purchase, job candidates turn to sites like G2, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and other social platforms to learn what life is like as an employee. Encourage your employees to champion your brand by making it easy for them to refer candidates, share updates via social advocacy tools, and leave positive reviews on third-party sites.?

How isolved Helps Customers Improve Employer Branding?

At isolved, we understand that building a strong employer brand is crucial in attracting top talent. Our HR Business Partners begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the company's HR infrastructure, with a focus on understanding the organization’s growth plans, attrition rates, recruitment strategies, benefits packages, job descriptions, and internal branding efforts.?

Next, we dive deeper into the company's core values and identity, making strategic recommendations to enhance their culture and brand visibility to attract top talent. These recommendations are then integrated into a personalized ‘HR Action Plan,’ outlining specific steps the business can take, alongside their HR Business Partner, to elevate their brand. This includes developing an employer branding site that engages current employees and attracts new talent.?

It's your turn. Use our Employer Brand Assessment Questions below to evaluate the current state of your brand:?

1. Besides products or services, what is your business known for in the community??
2. What attracted your current employees to your organization? Do those same qualities exist today? If not, what has changed??
3. How do you highlight your brand as an employer and attract top talent to your organization??
4. If asked about your organization’s culture, what would your employees say??
5. What factors contribute to your turnover rate??
6. Do you hire across multiple generations? If so, how do you align your culture and benefits to appeal to each generation??

?An employer brand is an asset that requires constant cultivation. Investing time and effort into maintaining a positive impression will attract the best talent to your organization.?

Want to know how we’ve built a strong employer brand here at isolved???

Our chief people officer, Amy Mosher , recently joined Ben Eubanks from Lighthouse Research & Advisory to share how she is helping build a company that people want to join and never want to leave.?Watch now. ??